Named Scholarships

When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be the funds to do so.

For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 Named Scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.

Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.

The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today’s baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. And across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2013 was $35,200.

If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider establishing a scholarship at The University of Akron. Scholarships can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study. To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.

Please note: All scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid. Students interested in applying for a scholarship may visit the Financial Aid webpage, call 330-972-7032, or e-mail finaid@uakron.edu. The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships.

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Morrison, Robert R. Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Business

The Robert R. Morrison Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Business was established in 1998 by The J.M. Smucker Company, in honor of Bob's retirement. Robert R. Morrison retired as vice president of operations after 38 years of service with the J.M. Smucker Company, where he also served on the board since 1970. Mr. Morrison graduated from The University of Akron in 1958 with a degree in business administration. Mr. Morrison was also a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the University's soccer team.

Mr. Morrison is currently a member of the College of Business Administration Advancement Council and was a 1991 recipient of the Dr. Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award. Active at the University, Mr. Morrison was also a member of the National Alumni Board of Director's from 1974-76 and received the prestigious Alumni Honor Award in 1985. Mr. Morrison married to the former Diane (Dede) Denison, and they have three children.

The scholarship is to be awarded to a student enrolled in the College of Business Administration. Applicants should be students who maintain good academic records, participate in extracurricular activities, and have some full- or part-time work experience. To remain eligible for the scholarship, the student must maintain a 3.0 GPA at the College of Business Administration within The University of Akron. Selection of the recipient is determined by the College of Business Administration Scholarship Committee and Mr. Morrison.

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Note for students interested in applying for a scholarship: The Department of Development at The University of Akron does not accept applications for, or distribute, scholarships.